Covington, GA (Dec 7, 2007) — Bridgestone Golf, headquartered outside Atlanta, GA, announced today that it has added hometown hero Charles Howell III to its stable of PGA TOUR players. As part of the deal, the 2-time PGA TOUR winner and Augusta, Georgia native will play Bridgestone balls and clubs, wear a Bridgestone Golf glove, sport the Bridgestone Golf logo on his headwear and left chest of his shirt and carry a Bridgestone Golf Tour bag in all professional tournaments in 2008.

Howell is expected to play the new TOUR B330-S golf ball and Bridgestone's new line of irons, which has not yet been unveiled to the public, in all professional competition. Howell expects to have the Bridgestone gear in play by the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Championship.

"This is an exciting day in the history of the Bridgestone Golf brand," said Hisashi Kawano, the president of Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. "There are only a handful of players out there with the star power of Charles and that combined with his being from Georgia, is a great fit for Bridgestone. We are eager to see what happens next season when golf's #1 technology company joins forces with one of the game's most talented young stars."

In what was perhaps the best year of his career, 2007 saw Howell record his second PGA TOUR victory, (at the Nissan Open), and finish 18th in the inaugural FedEx Cup points race. In addition, Howell carded five Top 10 finishes and a season-long $2,832,091 in earnings. Furthermore, in 2007, Charles boosted his international resume, helping the United States squad retain the President's Cup by earning his team 2 important points in the narrowly contested 19.5-14.5 victory.

While the financial terms of the deal will remain undisclosed, the company is pleased to report the contract is for three-years.

"Over the years I have become familiar with Bridgestone Golf and their history of innovation in golf equipment through Nick Price, whose opinion I really value," said Howell III. "Nick has told me time and again about Bridgestone's unparalleled technological expertise and how they go to great lengths to make sure their TOUR players are in the equipment that best maximizes their ability. Nick thinks the world of them; after all, he won 2 majors with Bridgestone at his side. The fact that they are a Georgia-based company makes it all the more rewarding for me."

For more information on the equipment Charles Howell III will rely on, visit www.bridgestonegolf.com.

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Bridgestone Golf, Inc., based in Covington, GA, manufactures and markets premium golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Precept and Bridgestone brand names. Bridgestone is represented on a world stage by a number of internationally famed golfers including, Stuart Appleby, Fred Couples, Charles Howell III and Nick Price. Bridgestone Golf, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd., whose headquarters are in Tokyo.